U.S.
Pete Visclosky, D-1st, is applauding the U.S. Department of Defense’s
decision to restore a rule that stood for 35 years requiring certain types
of steel purchased by the U.S. military to be 100-percent American-made.

According
to a statement released on Thursday, the rule required certain types of
armor plate products to be both melted and finished in the U.S.

“The
Department’s decision represents a major victory for American steel
workers and steel producers,” Visclosky said. “We have a
responsibility to keep our fighting men and women safe on the field of
battle and ensure that American-made steel is used to protect our troops.”

“The
decision revises the 2009 definition of ‘produced’ steel to include
the quenching and tempering of steel armor plate,” the statement said.
“DoD regulations specify that materials procured for defense, like those
used in the construction of tanks, armored vehicles, and other military
equipment, must be produced in the United States.”